We are looking to add some competition bars to our equipment. Right now we have about 25 bars divided between the old Pendlay bars circa 2007 (Still going strong) york and Rogue bars. These are awesome for the abuse we put them through.

As we are now developing our Weightlifting side and have some lifters getting into the intermediate level it is time to buy some bars. I have looked at Werksam, DHS, Eliko and Pendlay. So, my question is this. One mens bar and one womans bar, what would you buy?

But, having lifted on Werksan and Eleiko and having multiple Pendlay bars (both bushing and needle bearing) at my gym, I would totally go for the Eleiko bars if you can swing the money. I honestly haven't lifted on Werksan bars enough to give an honest comparison to the Eleiko, but I would still go with Werksan over more Pendlay bars if you are going to spend the money.

I am very happy with my Pendlay bars, and I notice a huge difference between the bushing and bearing bars. So, if you are going with Pendlay again, then I say go with the bearing bars 100%.

But, I really want a men's and women's Eleiko bar for my gym. It's just not going to happen anytime soon.

If you can swing it, Eleiko and Werksan are pretty similar performance-wise. I've lifted on both, and for premium bars, they are the best. If you cannot swing it, I like the Pendlay bars and DHS pretty similarily. I think you'd like both bars. Pendlay does not have center knurling, whereas competition bars typically would. However, Glenn himself says this is supposed to change when they get the new facility up to making bars.

I would buy eleiko over anything. Its what I have and have trained on. I would also spring for the training one over there sport training bar. I don't know why. i have one of there black training bars rogue used to sell that they are now selling as there sport training line. Very nice bar. Does not spin super fast but it always spins. The Werksan makes a nice bar. I trained at catalyst many times on them. I like there econo training bumpers also. DHS bars are nice and very whippy. The knurling is a little smooth. i like a little bit of bit. It lets you use a little less chalk. ZKC is a nice bar also very whippy. The knurling on it is very nice. Pendley Is a decent bar. The only thing I don't like about them is taking them apart and re oiling them to keep them with a decent spin. The grip on them is a little smooth.

Thanks so much guys. I think I am going to spring for the Eleiko training bars although the sport training bar, due to be released in February, has been recommended as well. Is this the same as the black Rogue/Eleiko bar? The other question would be Pendlay bearing or the DHS training bar.

We are all about the Werksan bars at Catalyst. That is all our weightlifters use. The spin and knurling is amazing, they have a great warranty, and they hold up really well.
We also have the Pendlay bearing bars that our fitness clients use, along with any private clients and the beginning weightlifting team.
The weightlifters squat on the Pendlay bars so that we can keep our Werksan bars nice. Greg and I each have an eleiko, but I never train on it because the knurling is so sharp every day training causes my hands to be completely tore up.